all of the above
all of the above
Every item or option previously listed. While this phrase is often said in casual conversation, it is also used as an answer on multiple choice tests. A: "What happened? Did you get stuck in traffic? Were you late? Was the boss mad?" B: "All of the above! It was a terrible morning."
See also: above, all, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
all of the above
Also, none of the above. Each one (not any) of the above-named alternatives. For example, Have you decided to quit and announced your decision, or do you want to find another job first?-None of the above . These phrases originated as answers to a multiple-choice question on a test but are now also used colloquially, often as a form of avoiding a direct answer. They use above in the sense of "preceding," a usage dating from the second half of the 1700s.
See also: above, all, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- none of the above
- chat up
- love you
- Love you!
- swap notes
- swap notes about (someone or something)
- swap notes on (someone or something)
- chitchat